CINCINNATI BALLET HOLDS YOUNG PERFORMER AUDITIONS FOR THE NUTCRACKER, August 19 & 20

Young performer auditions for Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker will take place throughout the day Saturday, August 19 and call back auditions Sunday, August 20 at The Cincinnati Ballet Center, located at 1555 Central Parkway. Now in its 43rd annual production, the timeless holiday tradition runs December 14 through 24 at the newly renovated and historic Music Hall.

Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker will include approximately 70 young dancers this season. Eligible dancers between the ages of eight and 18 are invited to audition for various roles. Children will be auditioned for roles within their size range. Parts available include Clara, Poodle, Fritz, Party Kids, Baby Mice, Snowballs, Soldiers, Cupcakes, and Chicks.

Auditions begin at 10 am for students currently enrolled in Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy, followed by open audition for gymnasts at 2:30 pm and open audition for all roles beginning at 4 pm. Young ladies are asked to wear a leotard, tights and ballet slippers. Young men should wear a t-shirt, tights and ballet slippers. Any young person auditioning for The Nutcracker must be available for all of the rehearsals and performances to be eligible to audition. Visit www.cballet.org/nutcracker-young-performers-auditions-2017 for additional details, height requirements, audition fees, and registration times.

The Nutcracker features the beloved holiday story of Clara, a little girl who embarks on a fantastical journey with her Nutcracker Prince through the Land of Sweets, meeting colorful and exciting characters along the way. The Cincinnati holiday favorite was re-envisioned in 2011, with new sets by John Ezell, costumes by Carrie Robbins, lighting by Trad A Burns and choreography by Artistic Director Victoria Morgan.

Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations with artists as diverse as Grammy winning guitarist Peter Frampton and popular, Ohio-based band Over the Rhine. With a mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, extensive education outreach programs and offers top level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy